by Mary Cope
I want him to be the sweet guy who opened up to me. Trusted me with his secrets and looked into my eyes like he truly cared. But that isn’t him. I’m mad for letting my guard down. Believing he is different and for kissing him. What a fool I am… a stupid, stupid fool.
Chapter Seven
I braced myself against the wall and slipped on my black pumps. The eye shadow and three coats of mascara I’d applied made my light green eyes pop. Taking Melissa’s advice, I let my hair dry naturally. The hair product I’d used took away the frizz, leaving behind soft loose curls that fell midway down my back. After I slipped in a pair of silver hoop earrings, I turned to look at my back in the mirror. I loved how this dress fit me and loved the crisscross design. But most of all, I loved that I had lost the weight.
Melissa came over to drive with us to the party. She and Mason were in the family room, standing by the stone fireplace. Mason was wearing dark jeans, an un-tucked white-collared shirt, and a charcoal blazer. Melissa wore a strapless teal party dress with a glittery-tulle skirt. Anyone else wearing it would have looked ridiculous, but sassy Melissa could pull it off. She was the perfect combination of cute and sexy.
My parents were seated on the couch as I walked into the room. All eyes focused on me. I would think I’d be fine standing in front of my family, but the attention still made me uncomfortable.
Mason smiled while Melissa scurried toward me. “Liz! I knew that dress was perfect. Spin around so I can see the back.”
I obeyed Melissa’s command as my parents approached me together. They both hugged me. My mom stepped back, then my father kissed my forehead.
“You look beautiful.” My dad handed me a small box wrapped in pink paper with a white bow.
After I opened it, I locked eyes with my father. “I wanted to be the first man in your life to give you diamonds.” They were beautiful, petite, diamond-stud earrings. Classic.
With tears in my eyes, I hugged my father. “Thank you, Daddy.” I glanced over at my mom and watched a tear roll down her cheek.
“Happy birthday, sweetie.” She walked over and gave me another hug.
Mason lifted his arm and shook his wrist at me. “Look what I got!” He sounded like he was ten. My parents had given him a beautiful set of silver cufflinks.
After I exchanged my hoop earrings with my diamond studs, we headed out the door to the party.
****
The parking on Beach Road was already packed. Space was limited, so most kids had to park far away and hoof it up to Kyle’s. After driving up the street twice with no luck, Mason pulled up to the front of the house.
“Okay, girls. Out.”
“Oh, Mason, I could walk.” I pouted.
“I don’t think so, Liz.” Mason glanced down at my heels. “I’ll be right back. I don’t want to spend our eighteenth birthday in the emergency room.” Mason drove away, leaving Melissa and I huddled together in the driveway.
Even in my four-inch heels, Melissa towered over me. I was starting to get nervous.
Melissa must have sensed my anxiety. She reached around and gave me a side hug. “It’s gonna be fun. Try not to worry.”
“I know. I think I just need to get in there and get this over with.”
“Here comes Mason.” Melissa smiled. Mason jogged up and kissed her on the lips. Then he reached for my arm and escorted us both into the party.
Entering Kyle’s house, we were met with roaring applause, shouts of “Happy Birthday”, whistles, and howling. Mason and Melissa walked in with ease and grace. Knowing my face was beet-red, I continued to clutch Mason’s arm to keep me from wobbling. Kyle and Derek were the first to greet us.
I released Mason’s arm as Kyle gave me a warm hug. “You look beautiful, Liz.”
“Thanks, Kyle,” I whispered.
The next thing I knew, I was being spun around. Derek’s dirty laugh echoed in my ear.
“Lizzie, you’re smokin’.” He chuckled and slapped me on the butt. I glanced toward Melissa. She giggled and rolled her eyes.
Walking through the crowded family room, I saw several familiar faces from school. About sixty people were milling around. I only knew a few of them. No sign of Aidan.
This wasn’t the first time I had been in Kyle’s home, but the beauty of it had always taken my breath away. The family room had floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. French doors opened up to a spacious wrap-around patio with steps that led to the sand.
I approached the kitchen and was met with the kind, blue eyes of Kyle’s mother.
“Mrs. King, Thank you for all of this.” I motioned to everything.
“Nonsense, Lizzie. You know how much we love you and Mason.” She hugged me tight. “You look beautiful. You’ve lost so much weight, and your dress is stunning!”
“Thank you.”
“Would you like something to drink?” she asked while leading me into her enormous kitchen.
“Not yet, but thank you.”
“Well, help yourself when you’re ready.” She smiled and left me in her kitchen while several people filled their plates with food.
The aroma of garlic and spices increased as I approached the beautiful silver chafing dishes that covered the marble kitchen island. All of my favorite comfort foods. Mini pizzas, pasta, meatballs, and garlic bread. My attention focused across the kitchen to the dessert table. Cake pops, cupcakes, and mini-brownies. On a small round table sat a beautiful sheet cake with red, white, and black icing. The words Happy 18th, Mason and Elizabeth were written in beautiful script. I knew I was going off my diet tonight, big time. I made a mental note I would run extra hard tomorrow to make up for the calories I was going to consume.
I walked from the kitchen to the outside patio and was met with a huge black and silver banner that screamed Happy Birthday, Mason and Elizabeth. Market lights were strung back and forth, illuminating the spacious deck, and several tiki torches lined the sand. The party was in full swing. Bruno Mars was blasting through the speakers and a couple of guys were starting a bonfire near the ocean. Derek and Kyle were setting up outside to play a few songs. It seemed like more partygoers had arrived because the place was packed.
I sat at a small table near a space heater. Melissa and Mason were mingling, but when Melissa caught my eye, she made a beeline straight toward me.
“Oh no, no, no, Lizzie, you’re not sitting at this table all night!” Melissa grabbed my arm and led me to the makeshift dance floor.
She started to shimmy around me “It’s time to par-tay!” She squealed.
Of course, I was mortified. What little I knew of dancing I had learned from goofing around with Melissa and practicing in front of my mirror. Embarrassed, I swayed from side to side, praying not to fall. In heels, it was the best I could do.
Mason soon joined us with a couple of his friends. I quickly dispelled my own inadequacy while witnessing the spectacle of the two guys dancing before me. One of them moved in close and shouted over the music.
“We’ve never met. I’m Mason’s friend, Brandon.”
I took a small step back, but bumped into someone. “I’m Liz.”
“I know who you are. You’re the birthday girl. Wanna dance?” He smiled.
“Okay,” I shyly replied.
Brandon was a good-looking guy. Tall, muscular with dark hair and dark brown eyes. His cologne was a bit overpowering, but I guessed it was better than the alternative.
The music changed from one song to the next, and I realized I was having fun. My feet were killing me, but I didn’t care. I had been keeping track of how many guys I’d danced with. Currently I was at seven. I smiled at Melissa when she and Mason were dancing intimately even though the song was upbeat.
I was laughing, sweating, and dancing my butt off. This was the best time I’d ever had.
Then my heart stopped.
I felt a lump in my throat and a pit in my stomach when I saw him, dressed in black jeans and a black button-down shir
t. He was movie-star perfect as he sauntered across the dance floor. When I tore my gaze from him, I noticed the accessory that graced his forearm. A leggy blonde wearing a short red dress. Figures.
I was torn between wanting to excuse myself and run or torture myself and stay. Foolishly, I opted for the latter. My heart twisted with jealousy watching Aidan gyrate to the music while his pretty dance partner sexually rubbed up against him. The pain was agonizing. Like a train wreck. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t.
Brandon had cut in when the last song had ended. The music had changed, and a slow song hummed through the speakers. Brandon moved in close. His shirt was damp with the smell of sweat and lingering cologne. He pulled me in close, but I backed away, putting some distance between us. Brandon’s size blocked my vision from Aidan, and I was thankful. I decided when the song ended I was getting off the dance floor. The torture of watching Aidan and Ms. Red Dress had been enough.
I thanked Brandon, but before I could make it back to my small table, a firm hand gripped my elbow and spun me around.
“Dance with me,” Aidan said, sounding more like a statement rather than a question.
“What for?” I couldn’t hide the disdain in my voice.
“One dance, please,” he begged.
“Forget it, Aidan. I’m done with you.” My voice was glacial. I snapped my arm from his grasp and walked off the dance floor.
Without glancing back, I heard the whiny voice of the leggy blonde, “Ai-da-a-an, let’s dance.”
“Bump N’ Grind” blasted through the speakers.
Oh, that’s just perfect.
The adrenaline was coursing through my veins. I wanted to run from the party, but I knew I couldn’t. In an attempt to calm myself down, I kicked off my heels and headed toward the bonfire. The cool sand under my aching feet was soothing. A group of kids were huddled around the pit, and in the distance a couple was making out. I stood before the blazing flames and breathed in the combination of salty sea air mingled with the pungent smell of smoke. The dancing flames of the fire mesmerized me.
Unaware of how long I’d been standing there, I emerged from my trance with the sounds of the crackling fire and the pull of Melissa tugging my arm.
“C’mon, Lizzie, I’ve been looking all over for you. It’s time to blow out the candles!”
We walked back to the house. I could think of only one thing. When will this party be over?
Chapter Eight
Tonight was our last performance with Lance. Our congregation would be saying goodbye to the only music director they had ever known. Lance had been serving on staff since the church was planted three years ago. Spencer Hayes had been introduced last week. Apparently, he’d caused quite a stir. Everyone was abuzz with anticipation for him coming on board. Mason met him and liked him instantly. I, however, hadn’t been able to meet him. Two days after the disastrous birthday party, I’d come down with strep throat.
I’d spent my first week of winter break laid up in bed, sucking down ice cubes and drinking chicken broth. Aidan had heard from Mason I was sick, and that’s when the texting had started. The first few texts from Aidan had been innocent enough.
Hey, Lizzie, I heard you were sick.
How are you? Are you feeling better?
I deleted them unanswered.
By mid-week, his texts were groveling.
I’m sorry. Can I see you? Please?
Again, I deleted them.
At the end of the week, I could almost feel his rage.
Why won’t you answer me?
Can you at least answer my texts?
Will you let me try and explain?”
Delete.
Delete.
Delete.
Finally, the texting stopped.
****
The church was beautiful. Behind the podium, three decorated Christmas trees lit the stage. Twinkling lights reflected off the slick black surface of the baby grand piano. Fresh evergreen swags were draped throughout the sanctuary. The scent of pine filled the air, and a lone candle illuminated a small nativity.
After the performance, I was finally going to meet Spencer. He was sitting in the audience with his family. Thankfully, I felt good. Surprisingly good, considering how I’d felt just a few days ago. I’d barely said two words last week, hoping not to strain my vocal cords, knowing tonight I was closing out the performance with “Silent Night.”
Lance had been a nervous wreck because I had been so ill, but when I nailed the song during rehearsal, he’d been relieved. After our practice ended we’d had a private going away party for Lance. I’d been an emotional mess, and all the guys had broken down. Lance had teared up when we presented him with a heartfelt video montage of our best moments together.
The church lights dimmed as I took center stage. When I glanced over at Lance, his kind brown eyes were filled with emotion. Lance knew I hated the limelight, but he’d used every tactic he had to get me to solo. Finally, he’d cashed in the guilt card, knowing since this was his last night, I’d never refuse him. My usual custom was to hide behind the safety of my piano, but tonight that wasn’t the case. I wiped my palms on my green dress then tried to adjust my mic, but my hands kept fumbling. Mason approached me to help. He lowered the mic then covered it with his hand.
“You okay?” he whispered.
“I’m freakin’ out, Mason — I can’t do this.” I must have looked terrified because the concern in Mason’s eyes seemed worried on my behalf. “It’s packed out there.”
“Liz, stop it. You’re good. Just suck it up. Close your eyes during the whole song if you need to. Pretend you’re at home. Whatever it takes. But you have to do this.” Mason looked at me wide-eyed. “Breathe, Liz.”
I took a deep breath and nodded at Mason.
“You ready?”
I nodded.
Mason stepped back, picked up his guitar, and began strumming the chords.
My hair was pulled up in a twisted bun, and a few loose curls framed my face. I nervously chewed my thumbnail, and seconds later the spotlight was on me. My hands trembled while I reached for the mic stand and held onto it for support. I gathered all the confidence within me, closed my eyes, and began to sing. I wanted to run from the stage when I heard the quivering in my voice, but thankfully by the second chorus, it subsided. When the song neared the end, my nerves had tapered off as my hands dropped to my side. Lance silenced the instruments, and I finished the song a cappella.
When I finally opened my eyes, they were met with thunderous applause. Relieved the song was over, I stepped back, hoping to take the attention off me. I motioned for Lance to join me, and within seconds, everyone was on their feet in adoration for this sweet man they loved. I gave him a warm embrace and told him for the last time I would miss him. I stepped back, allowing the church to pay homage to Lance. Overcome with grief, I wiped away my tears and exited the stage. When I turned the corner toward the hallway, I was met with the piercing blue eyes of Aidan Mitchell.
Stunned, I stood with my mouth gaping. Aidan was standing before me looking as gorgeous as ever. I closed my mouth while the last few tears fell from my eyes. An awkward silence filled the space between us. Aidan seemed anxious, but he spoke first.
“You wouldn’t text me back, and I had to see you. I didn’t know what else to do. I knew you’d be singing tonight. That’s why I’m here.” Tension swept across his beautiful face while he stared at me. I wiped the last of my tears away and rubbed my temples.
“What do you want from me, Aidan? What could you possibly have to say to me?”
Aidan reached out and tried to stroke my arm, but I backed away. His eyes roamed over my face, and he murmured, “I’m sorry.”
“Fine.” I brushed past him then headed toward the exit door.
Aidan came after me and placed his hands on the door, closing me in. “Will you just listen to me? Please?” He groaned in frustration. “I just want to talk to you to clear things up.” His tone was desperate
but guarded.
The pent-up anger from the last week was bubbling up inside me. Even Aidan’s sheepish expression didn’t faze me as my emotions became freely unleashed. “To clear up what? That you treated me like crap? That you kissed me, and I never heard from you again? That on my birthday you showed up with some whore, who was all over you on the dance floor? Is that what you want to clear up? Well, we’re clear. Perfectly clear!”
I pushed him away, leaving Aidan in the wake of my fury then exited the door. The December air chilled me as I walked into the night.
****
After an uncomfortable night of tossing and turning, unable to sleep any longer, I finally got up. A thick veil of fog had rolled in offshore, covering my morning running route with a cloud-like mass. I was at my usual streetlamp, stretching out my legs while Maggie sniffed around. The visibility was so poor if Maggie was more than six feet in front of me, I couldn’t see her. She didn’t seem to mind, and neither did I.
Maggie and I jogged past my hot neighbor’s house. The garage was open and the jeep was there, but the motorcycle was gone. I scanned the streets on my way to the creek bed, hoping to get a glimpse of him, but no luck. Trying to rid my mind from thoughts of Aidan, I put in my ear buds and blasted my music. It didn’t help.
I kept replaying what had happened last night in my head. I had never yelled at anyone before, and the guilt was all-consuming. I wouldn’t even listen to Aidan, and that wasn’t me. I was usually so reasonable and understanding, giving people the benefit of the doubt. In a snap decision, I took my cell phone from my pocket. It was still early, but I didn’t care. I tapped out a text to him before I changed my mind.
